1. Saul Before Meeting Jesus

Read Acts 7:54–8:1 and 9:1–2

• What specific details do these verses give us about Saul’s character, mindset, and actions?
• Based on this description, how would you characterize Saul? What kind of person was he?
• Given Saul’s opposition to Jesus and his followers, what might you expect God to do with someone like him?

2. Saul’s Encounter With Jesus

Read Acts 9:3–9

• Imagine being Saul in this moment. How terrifying would it be to suddenly come face to face with the risen Jesus—whom he had been persecuting?
• What do you notice about how Jesus interacts with Saul? What stands out to you?
• Why is Jesus’ approach surprising, and what does it reveal about God’s grace and love?
• How is this an example of God “chasing us down” with his goodness and mercy (see Psalm 23:6)?

3. God Works Through His People

Read Acts 9:10–19

• Why do you think Jesus sends Ananias to minister to Saul instead of speaking to him directly again?
• What does this say about the importance of community and the role of God’s people in his redemptive work?
• How do Jesus’ words in verses 4–6 connect to his instructions to Ananias?
• In what ways does this encounter show that God not only saves Saul but also gives him a completely new purpose and new people?

4. Radical Grace and Personal Application

Read 1 Timothy 1:12–17

• How does Paul (aka Saul) describe his own transformation, and what does he want others to learn from it?
• How does this story confront the belief that some people are “too far gone” for God to save?
• Have you ever felt like you were opposing God—actively or passively? How does this story speak into that feeling?
• Do you know someone who seems beyond the reach of God’s grace? How does Saul’s story give you hope?

5. Living Out the Gospel

• How can we encourage others to see and believe in the radical love and forgiveness of God?
• How can we help each other (in community) stay rooted in this truth?
• What does this story teach us about God not only saving us from something, but also for something?